COUNCIL URGE DRIVER CARE IN WINTERY SPELL
Motorists in Louth are being urged to take extra caution wile driving, after a spate of recent tragedies on Irish roads.
The warning from the local authority came after ten deaths on roads across the country in just one week, including the tragic loss of four young lives in a crash in Donegal.
Louth County Council posted to social media last week to earn of the potential risks of driving during winter conditions.
‘Using the roads is the most dangerous thing most of us do each day. 10 lives have been lost in the past week. Nobody thinks it will happen to them but tragedy can strike at any time. As weather forecast to deteriorate, please drive to suit prevailing conditions.’
The appeal to drivers was echoed by the gardai and the Road Safety Authority.
Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: ‘An Garda Síochána is deeply saddened by the horrific death toll on Irish road over the past week. An Garda Síochána views any road death as one to many and we will continue to work together with our partners in road safety to build on the reduction in road deaths evidenced over the past number of years.
‘While we welcome the reduction of fatalities that we have witnessed over the past two years, events over the past week demonstrate that we cannot afford to be complacent in any manner and I appeal to all roads users to be extra vigilant – in particular on dark evenings and while using unlit or poorly lit roads. Be safe, be seen, be careful and be on the alert for other road users.’
Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “We have had a dreadful week on our roads. This appalling loss of life will serve as a reminder to us all that life is fragile and using the roads is the most dangerous thing we do each day. Nobody ever believes it will happen to them but tragedy can strike anywhere at any time on the road. We need to remember this every time we set out on a journey.
‘I would appeal to road users to slow down, drive at the right speed for the conditions and watch out for vulnerable road users. Don’t drive when impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter how short the trip.’